Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
Luke 18:1 NIV
In his epistle to the Ephesian Christians, Apostle Paul emphasises the vital significance of prayer. He charged them to pray in the Spirit. He urged them to maintain a ceaseless and varied prayer life (Ephesians 6:18). This instruction holds profound importance in our Christian journey and necessitates our devoted commitment. Having explored the depth of praying in the Spirit, we now draw inspiration from the teachings of the Lord Jesus to delve into the necessity of unceasing prayer.
The weaponry of prayer is an indispensable asset for every Christian. Jesus, in Luke 18, employs parables to underscore its essence. One imparts the lesson of persistence, while the other underscores sincerity in prayer. Meanwhile, it is crucial to note that Christ’s intention is for us to grasp the concept that we “should always pray and not give up”. He emphasises this divine communication with the Father, encouraging unceasing prayer.
Let’s delve into several reasons that underscore the paramount importance of prayer:
- Divine Will: Prayer aligns with the Father’s will, stemming from eternal wisdom, righteousness, and love.
- Inherent Faculty: Prayer is an innate aspect of our nature, an essential element of our mental and spiritual being. By not utilising this gift, we fail to fulfil both God’s will and our potential.
- Continuous Need: Our perpetual vulnerability, weaknesses, and the burden of sin demand ongoing communication with God. Our efforts alone cannot resolve conscience, grief, and insufficiency.
- Ever-Present Access: The accessibility of the prayer throne and the willingness of the Hearer, coupled with the seamless integration of prayer into daily life, emphasise its relevance.
- Bringing Glory to God: When our prayers are answered, the Father is glorified, magnifying the profound connection between prayer and divine response (John 14:13 NIV).
Our Creator, who fashioned us in entirety, invites us to lay before Him our bodily, mental, and spiritual needs—acknowledging that the maker of the machine can mend and manage it. Thus, we approach the throne of grace confidently, knowing that earnest and reliant prayers are never in vain.
